2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Specs

Even though it is a relatively new truck for the US market, the Colorado has been revamped a few times by now. The latest update also brought an all new model with the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. While the name might not mean much for many, this is the high performance off-road version of the truck which has been rumored for a really long time. As expected, the ZR2 is just as good as everyone said it will and more. Unfortunately it is not perfect but more on that a bit later. One of its biggest selling points is its off-road capability. In order to improve it, GM decided to redesign the entire running gear of the medium-size Colorado. This means the new ZR2 doesn’t really have much in common with the regular version.

Pros….

Powerful
Comfortable
Functional

….Cons

The price is a bit too high
Critics say that Canyon looks better

2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Review

Instead of the usual suspension system, the ZR2 boasts all new shocks with external reservoirs as well as different springs.

The end result is a 2.0 inches higher ground clearance and a considerably better suspension travel.

The truck is also 3.5 inches wider than before which is thanks to its new axles

While these changes would usually ruin its driving characteristics, this isn’t really the case with the ZR2. The truck is just as good to drive as the regular model and it isn’t really any worse on paved roads. The interesting part is in off-road where the changes allow the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to shine.

Thanks to its new suspension system, standard 17 inch alloy rims and high performance 31 inch off-road tires, the ZR2 will get out of pretty much anything.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – Source: motortrend.com

Exterior

In order to complete the changes and give it a little flavor, the 2018 ZR2 received a vast exterior update which makes it look quite a bit more menacing than the base model.

The front fenders are also unique in order to cover the considerably wider front track

As standard there is also a roll-bar installed in the bed but this can be removed by the buyer if he so chooses.

Likely one of the drawbacks of the truck is the power-bulge in the hood. Even though this helps it look a bit more aggressive, it takes away from the driver’s visibility which is also accentuated by the raised body.

Chevrolet Colorado Extreme Concept – Source: gmauthority.com

Off-Road Testing

Interior

The interesting part is the fact the interior of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is not any different from the regular truck.

In fact it doesn’t really have anything unique to it which is a real shame. It gets the same 4-spoke steering wheel, the same instrument cluster and even the same basic infotainment system.

The materials are nice but definitely not really fitted for a truck that is meant to go in off-road.

The only real upgrade has to be the truck’s seats which are wrapped in a far better material than on the base models

2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 interior – Source: motortrend.com

Specs of 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is available with two different engines. The base model gets a 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6 which is good for 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, a small improvement over the older V6. The option comes in the form of a 2.8 liter turbocharged inline-four diesel.

This can provide 181 horsepower and a far more impressive 369 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic and both of them are pretty much the same when it comes to towing performance

However, the diesel, while less powerful, has to be the one better suited for this job as it has a lot more low-end torque which is highly important in off-road.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – Source: motortrend.com

Price

Well, the 2018 ZR2 is a great truck but there is a huge flaw, its price. The truck starts at over $42,000 with the diesel starting at over $46,000.

2017 Model

MSRP From

Honda Ridgeline

$29,500

Nissan Frontier

$18,400

Toyota Tacoma

$24,600

GMC Canyon

$20,900

Ford F-150 Raptor

$50,600

RAM 2500

$53,500

For the price there are far better alternatives that will be nearly as good in off-road while also having considerably more usability.

On top of that, with a weight of nearly 5,000 pounds, the ZR2 is not nearly as fast as it should in order to be successful.

We do hope GM will change that in the future by offering a 3rd engine option but this is highly unlikely

About The Author

2018carontheroad.com is a young car magazine but one with a lot of passion and effort put into it. My name is Sinisa Vujinovic and I have been a car enthusiast since I can remember. For years, motor vehicles have been a hobby of mine and now I have decided to dedicate some time to it. That's why today you have this automotive blog on your hands. My intent is to bring the latest stories from car industry directly to you, our dear reader. Car reviews, rumors, spy photos, funny stories all in one place. Hope you will enjoy reading as much as I have while writing these articles. Thanks for being here with us!